Jul 14, 2026, 2:21 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill was limited to just 10 games in 2025 by toe and neck injuries, finishing the year with 262 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 39 touches. While Hill has never operated as a true lead back, he's been a reliable third-down option for the Ravens who compiled over 1,200 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns from across 31 games in 2023 and 2024. Entering 2026, Hill could once again be the pass-catching complement to star Baltimore back Derrick Henry in the Ravens backfield. However, Baltimore has a couple of younger running back options who could put pressure on Hill in 2024 fifth-rounder Rasheen Ali and 2026 fifth-rounder Adam Randall. Hill has not averaged four carries per game since his rookie season in 2019 and is now entering his age-29 campaign. Even if Henry were to get injured, Hill might remain in a complementary role rather than taking over as the Ravens' lead back. Given his lack of obvious handcuff value, Hill may be overvalued as the RB65 by current redraft ADP.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 2:20 PM ET

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh hit the break at .169/.271/.310 with nine home runs in 65 games, a brutal drop after last year's 60-homer season. The oblique strain explains some of it. Raleigh missed 33 days, returned June 16, and has not looked right for long stretches. Still, the underlying damage goes beyond a low average. His hard-hit rate has fallen from 49.6% to 32.5%, his barrel rate from 19.5% to 11%, and the strikeout rate is up to 32.5%. Statcast gives him only a .179 expected average and .356 expected slugging percentage. Seattle has kept him in the heart of the order, so the opportunity is not going anywhere. The old ceiling makes him tempting as a buy-low. Just don't pay for 2025. This version of Raleigh has real second-half risk.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 2:17 PM ET

Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III is one of the most clear breakout candidates at his position in 2026, according to Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. "I'm buying Luther Burden stock right now," head coach Ben Johnson said back in May. Johnson called Burden's growth this offseason "electric." The 22-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) out of the University of Missouri took off in the second half as a rookie, posting 40 catches, 547 yards and a touchdown in his final 10 games, including the postseason. Burden is carrying increased confidence, heightened trust from Johnson, and improved chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams. "He's the truth, man. And nothing but the truth," tight end Colston Loveland said. Burden had a total line of 47 catches, 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts) as a rookie, but with DJ Moore now in Buffalo, Burden could easily become Chicago's WR1 over Rome Odunze in 2026. Fantasy managers should be looking to draft Burden as a strong WR2 this year with upside for more in a Bears offense that's looking to take the next step in Johnson's second season running the show.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer

Jul 14, 2026, 2:12 PM ET

New York Yankees shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. (finger) began a rehab assignment on Monday with the team's Florida Complex League affiliate and quickly made his presence felt. The Yankees' top-ranked prospect garnered three plate appearances, drawing a walk in one at-bat and homering in another. He also attempted a stolen base, and although he was caught, it was promising to see him kicking off the rust from his month-long layoff. The former first-rounder is working his way back from a sprain in two of his fingers, and with a successful rehab assignment, he should be on track to rejoin Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre by next week. The 6-foot-2 slugger had begun to find his footing with the RailRiders just before the injury, going 12-for-34 (.353) during a nine-game hit streak, including seven doubles, a pair of home runs, and two stolen bases. The 21-year-old looks primed to make his major league debut later in the second half and should be considered a worthy stash option in deeper 12-team leagues for his potential to impact multiple fantasy categories.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jul 14, 2026, 2:10 PM ET

After spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, running back Rachaad White is entering his first season with the Washington Commanders in 2026. Across 17 games with Tampa Bay in 2025, White recorded 790 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 172 touches. The 27-year-old has never been the most efficient rusher, as he's averaged 3.9 yards per carry for his career. However, White has averaged over 50 catches and 350 receiving yards per season as a pro. He's also been exceptionally durable, missing just one game over the last four years. In Washington, White is part of a crowded running back room that also includes Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Kaytron Allen, Jeremy McNichols, and Jeremy Ford. While Croskey-Merritt and Allen specifically may have more upside as rushers, White may offer the most three-down reliability. If White emerges as the lead back in Washington, he could be a bargain at his current redraft ADP of RB38.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 2:09 PM ET

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner limped into the All-Star break at .233/.305/.326, but his fantasy line was not empty. He still produced 37 runs, 38 RBI, and 14 steals in 94 games, and his 7.9% strikeout rate remained absurdly low. Hoerner appeared in 94 of Chicago's 96 games, though he spent the final week mostly batting sixth. The average is the reason to buy. Hoerner's .284 expected batting average sits 51 points above the real number, while his .243 BABIP is nowhere near last season's .313 mark. He is still making contact on 96.1% of pitches in the strike zone. Just do not pay for a power jump that probably is not coming. A 28% hard-hit rate and 0.9% barrel rate tell that story. Managers frustrated by the first-half slide may move him cheaply, and the average-steals rebound is worth chasing.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 2:05 PM ET

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler "doesn't think" the Washington Commanders are looking at San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) "at this stage." Both Aiyuk and the 49ers have made it clear that he's played his last snap for that organization, but he's still currently under contract in the Bay Area. At this point, it's unlikely that San Fran is going to be able to find a taker on the trade market for the former first-rounder, so the most likely scenario is that he's cut during training camp this summer. At that point, the Commanders or another receiver-needy team might be more interested in taking on Aiyuk's baggage and recovery from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for all of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 with the Niners, but everything fell apart shortly after he signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the team in August of 2024. Aiyuk caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and zero touchdowns in seven games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. In addition to him still looking for a new team, Aiyuk's health is a big question mark going into the 2026 campaign. The days of Aiyuk being a reliable fantasy wideout could be long gone.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Jul 14, 2026, 1:50 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell is a trendy waiver-wire pickup this week thanks to a strong finish to his first half. In 13 games so far in July, he's gone 18-for-47 (.383) with two home runs, six doubles, a triple, six RBI, and eight runs scored to boost his season slash line to .274/.362/.459 with an .822 OPS in 310 plate appearances. The 27-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has hit eight home runs, driven in 44 runs, scored 42 runs, and stolen six bases across 86 games in his fifth year in the big leagues through the first half in 2026. At the very least, fantasy managers looking for outfield upgrades should look Mitchell's way to begin the second half in hopes that he can continue his hot streak for the rest of the month. The oft-injured former first-rounder out of UCLA currently ranks in the 91st percentile in hard-hit rate and 89th percentile in barrel rate, but he also sits way at the bottom with a second percentile strikeout rate (32.9%) despite the fact that he's in the 90th percentile in chase rate. Strikeouts will continue to be a problem, but if Mitchell can stay healthy, he should be of use for power and speed the rest of the way. Mitchell is rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jul 14, 2026, 1:38 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed closer Jhoan Duran heads into this week's All-Star break with eight straight successful save conversions and a 1.38 ERA (1.08 FIP), 0.92 WHIP, 24 saves, 50 strikeouts, and six walks in 32 2/3 innings out of the bullpen in his first full season with the Phillies. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler also was rewarded with his first All-Star appearance as one of the most dominant closers in the game in the first half. But should fantasy managers be worried about regression in the second half? The answer is no. Duran sports a 39.7% strikeout rate (100th percentile) and a career-best 4.8% walk rate. Although he's in just the sixth percentile in hard-hit rate, he sits in the 88th percentile in barrel rate, the 100th percentile in whiff rate, the 90th percentile in chase rate, and the 99th percentile in xwOBA, which proves he's still one of the most dominant relief arms in baseball on one of the better teams in the league. And if Duran can stay healthy in the second half, he should easily set a new career high in saves after reaching 32 saves with the Phils and the Minnesota Twins last year. Since his last blown save on June 9 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Duran hasn't allowed a run in 11 innings while picking up eight saves, striking out 17, and walking only one.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jul 14, 2026, 1:37 PM ET

Spanning Xander Schauffele's entire career thus far, there may not have been a harder time to recommend him than right now. The 32-year-old is coming off a missed cut last week at the Renaissance Club, where he lost strokes everywhere except around the green. It's a hiccup that has now existed for two consecutive events. His worst showings have been in the irons and putting, as both areas have lost strokes in four of his last six events. As we arrive at the opening round of the Open Championship, it's difficult to expect things will immediately turn around to make him a worthy fantasy option at his price.--Todd McGill
Source: Data Golf

Jul 14, 2026, 1:27 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper came into this week's All-Star break in a cold spell at the plate, and he didn't make it past the first round in Monday night's Home Run Derby in his home digs at Citizens Bank Park. Harper's fantasy managers could be souring on him going into the second half, which could present the perfect buy-low opportunity. In his first 11 games in July, the 33-year-old former two-time MVP and nine-time All-Star went 6-for-40 (.150) with three doubles, three RBI, three runs scored, eight walks, and 14 strikeouts in 48 plate appearances to drop his season line to .260/.365/.497. However, Harper still has an .862 OPS with 20 home runs, 57 RBI, 59 runs scored, and five stolen bases in his 342 at-bats in 2026 in his 15th big-league season (eighth in Philly). He also has a .278 expected batting average and the eighth-best xwOBA (.391), suggesting we haven't seen the best of Harper yet this year. Harper currently is ranked in the 76th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 72nd percentile in barrel rate, the 93rd percentile in xSLG, and the 97th percentile in xwOBA, so we're not completely sold that his cold spell in July is a sign of an offensive decline to close out 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jul 14, 2026, 1:26 PM ET

It hasn't been a great time for Patrick Reed in recent Open Championships, as he hasn't finished inside the top 30 since 2019 (solo 10th). However, with his level of play this year and his reinstatement to the PGA Tour coming in a few months, he's certainly trying to get in the mix as much as possible. The 35-year-old is leading the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour, coming off a T13 finish at last week's Scottish Open. He's able to do some real damage on approach, but his biggest strength comes on and around the green, where he averaged 1.76 strokes gained last week at the Renaissance Club between putting and his short game. Those will come in handy at a baked-out Royal Birkdale. For those needing a reliable player with as much upside as anyone with a presumably decent floor, Reed is a solid option.--Todd McGill
Source: Data Golf

Jul 14, 2026, 1:01 PM ET

Rory McIlroy is coming off a T7 at the Scottish Open, where his driver flourished in leading the field in average strokes gained off the tee (1.50). His putter continues to be a bright spot, even with the somewhat limited schedule he's played in 2026, as does the short game. The Northern Irishman is arguably the most prolific major champion in the field this week at Royal Birkdale, and he seems poised to be part of the conversation in the forecasted baked-out conditions. It's been 12 years since he hoisted the Claret Jug for the first time, and McIlroy's quest to become the best European of all time will certainly be bolstered by doing it a second time.--Todd McGill
Source: Data Golf

Jul 14, 2026, 12:54 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers left-handed reliever Aaron Ashby isn't a candidate for saves in Milwaukee, but he remains attractive on the waiver wire in fantasy with a league-high 12 wins and for his ability to contribute strikeouts and holds in high-leverage situations. In addition to his career-high 12 wins -- his previous career high was five victories in 2025 -- the 28-year-old southpaw has a 3.56 ERA (3.24 FIP), 1.44 WHIP, seven holds, 75 strikeouts, and 29 walks in 55 2/3 innings across 45 appearances (one start) in 2026. However, Ashby has met some adversity since the beginning of June, allowing 16 runs (14 earned) on 23 hits for a 6.41 ERA (5.13 FIP), 24 strikeouts, and 11 walks in 19 2/3 innings pitched. He's gone 3-2 in that span with four blown saves and six holds. Ashby has obviously been money for wins for fantasy managers, but you can't hang your hat on that alone in the second half. His career-high 30.6% strikeout rate has also been nice, but Ashby also has a career-high 11.8% walk rate that will continue to get him in trouble in the second half.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jul 14, 2026, 12:42 PM ET

Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (back) has been just one of the many disappointments for the New York Mets in 2026, having played in just 24 games in his first year in Queens due to a back injury. The 28-year-old Cuban outfielder is now rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues. However, Robert began a minor-league rehab assignment on June 30 and could be making his return to the Mets' outfield sooner rather than later in the early portion of the second half of the season. He went 2-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored while playing eight innings in center field with Double-A Binghamton on Sunday and has hit .304/.360/.435 in 25 plate appearances in six games with Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. Barring a setback this week, Robert looks primed to come off the 60-day injured list for New York's first series of the second half against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets will likely ease Robert back in, but eventually, he's expected to settle in as the regular center fielder. Injuries have defined Robert's seven-year big-league career, but his power/speed upside cannot be denied, making him worth a waiver-wire pickup for outfield depth in the second half.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jul 14, 2026, 12:35 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers rookie left-hander Shane Drohan began his MLB career working out of the bullpen for the Brew Crew, but he deserves a much longer look in their starting rotation going into the second half and off the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues after his strong start in 2026. In 19 appearances (nine starts) covering 70 innings, Drohan has gone 4-3 with a 3.09 ERA (3.24 FIP) and 1.20 WHIP with 67 strikeouts and 20 walks. The 27-year-old southpaw has a 3.38 ERA (3.78 FIP) with 39 strikeouts and 12 walks in 42 2/3 frames and eight starts since joining Milwaukee's rotation on June 1. Drohan has allowed more than three earned runs in just one of his eight starts up through the All-Star break and has quality starts in three of his eight starts, including in each of his last two appearances. His most recent start on Saturday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates was his first start of at least six innings with no walks. Drohan appears primed to stick in the Brewers' banged-up rotation to open the second half of the season, and if he keeps pitching like this, he could stick as a starter for the rest of the year. He's only rostered in 33% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jul 14, 2026, 12:26 PM ET

San Diego Padres right-handed closer Mason Miller has been as dominant as any reliever we've ever seen in the first half of 2026, which begs the question: Should fantasy managers be selling high? In his 38 appearances (39 2/3 innings) in the first half of his first full season with the Friars, Miller has gone 2-1 with a 0.91 ERA (0.53 FIP), 0.78 WHIP, a National League-leading 25 saves, 72 strikeouts, and 13 walks. The flamethrowing closer is tied with Rays closer Bryan Baker for second in the big leagues in saves, just three behind the leader, Guardians closer Cade Smith. The two-time All-Star has a ridiculous 48.3% strikeout rate and just a 22.2% hard-hit rate. Most of the time when he enters a game, he makes the opposing lineup look silly with his triple-digit fastball and video-game slider. Miller ranks in the 100th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 100th percentile in strikeout rate, the 100th percentile in whiff rate, the 96th percentile in chase rate, and the 97th percentile in barrel rate, so the advanced metrics support his otherworldly dominance. The Padres most likely won't give in and trade Miller at this year's deadline, and fantasy managers should follow suit and hold him.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jul 14, 2026, 12:17 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang is hitting .266/.361/.465 with an .826 OPS, 14 home runs, 60 RBI, 66 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases across 91 games and 416 plate appearances at the All-Star break. Turang probably won't ever eclipse the 50 stolen bases he had in his second year in the big leagues in 2024, but there's no question he has become a much more complete power/speed threat for the Brewers and fantasy managers at the keystone. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter was bummed to see the All-Star break come, as he hit .308 (16-for-52) with two home runs, seven doubles, 12 RBI, seven runs scored, and two stolen bases in 12 games in the early portion of July. Turang's expected batting average of .256 and xwOBA of .348 (wOBA of .358) suggest he's pretty much peaked in 2026, but he remains one of the most consistent and high-end offensive producers at second base in fantasy on one of the better teams in the National League. The former first-rounder in 2018 will easily set a new career high in home runs and should produce the first 20-20 campaign of his career. Turang is a firm hold for fantasy managers going into the second half.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jul 14, 2026, 12:05 PM ET

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa caught only 16 of his 27 targets for 239 yards in his rookie campaign in 2025 in 17 games after being a third-rounder out of the University of Arkansas, but he was a vital red-zone weapon for quarterback Jared Goff and caught six touchdowns in his first year in the NFL. He added eight receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the team's final three regular-season games. As he heads into Year 2, TeSlaa looks ready to make a leap in his sophomore season, with receivers coach Scottie Montgomery saying that the 24-year-old looks stronger and more athletic this offseason. The Lions still have Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta drawing serious targets, but with Kalif Raymond now out of town, TeSlaa has a clear path to a bigger role as the unquestioned WR3 in Detroit. The Lions have been touting TeSlaa's abilities all offseason, hinting that he should be much more involved in Year 2. His fantasy stock is on the rise in both dynasty and redraft formats, with RotoBaller ranking him as the No. 69 fantasy WR for 2026. TeSlaa makes for an interesting late-round upside pick in Detroit's pass-happy offense.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLive Media Group - Jacob Richman

Jul 14, 2026, 11:58 AM ET

Since being recalled from Triple-A in mid-May, Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews has hit .211/.270/.343 with six home runs, 18 RBI, 25 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 189 plate appearances. The 24-year-old hit .228 with four home runs and three stolen bases across 107 plate appearances in June, but he struggled to just five hits in 39 plate appearances in July before the All-Star break. Once considered to be one of the top prospects in baseball, Crews owns just a .627 OPS across 643 career MLB plate appearances to this point. However, his underlying metrics suggest that improvement is coming. With a respectable 8.2% barrel rate and 42.5% hard-hit rate, Crews' xBA is .248, and his xSLG is .427. The young outfielder has also posted a respectable 21.7% strikeout rate. While Crews' highest-upside scenarios may no longer be realistic, he could still develop into a balanced five-category compiler. With his value at a low point, Crews is worth targeting on the waiver wire as a potential second-half breakout candidate.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 11:54 AM ET

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin is set to battle for the RB4 spot in the Broncos' backfield this summer with Tyler Badie, according to The Denver Post's Luca Evans. The Broncos are expected to keep only four RBs on their active 53-man roster, so the loser of the battle will be the odd-man out. McLaughlin was a healthy scratch early on in 2025 but eventually became Denver's most effective per-touch skill player down the stretch after J.K. Dobbins' season-ending foot injury boosted him to RB2 duties behind rookie RJ Harvey. But with rookie Jonah Coleman now in the mix in 2026, McLaughlin's path to a fourth straight season opening the year on the active roster "looks dicey." Badie, meanwhile, is trusted by the coaching staff and quarterback Bo Nix for his pass-protection skills and veteran instincts. The 25-year-old McLaughlin has an impressive 4.8 yards per carry in his career, but Badie's work in passing situations may eventually win out. Even if McLaughlin wins a 53-man roster spot out of training camp and the preseason, it's clear that both his redraft and dynasty fantasy stock has taken a big hit with the addition of Coleman.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans

Jul 14, 2026, 11:46 AM ET

The Denver Broncos made an impactful offseason move with the drafting of rookie running back Jonah Coleman in the fourth round, but they also re-signed veteran J.K. Dobbins and still have RJ Harvey at the position. The Denver Post's Luca Evans writes that Dobbins, Harvey, and Coleman "will almost assuredly form some kind of three-man carousel." Jaleel McLaughlin or Tyler Badie will serve as a change-of-pace insurance option. Dobbins was on his way to a career year in 2025 in his first year in Denver before suffering a season-ending foot injury. The 27-year-old former second-rounder should once again factor heavily into the Broncos' rushing attack in 2026, but his injury history makes a committee approach involving both Harvey and Coleman all the more necessary for a team looking to become more efficient on the ground and balanced overall on offense. At 5-foot-8, 220 pounds, Coleman should be an instant upgrade over Badie for possible third-down touches. He could also spell Dobbins for short-yardage touches early on, and he'd become an every-week fantasy starter if Dobbins misses more time due to injury. Coleman is more of an intriguing dynasty/keeper asset in 2026 than a redraft one because he won't be a lock for a heavy workload in his first year in the NFL unless one of Dobbins or Harvey misses extended time. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 54 fantasy RB for 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans

Jul 14, 2026, 11:45 AM ET

Kansas City Royals outfielder Lane Thomas got off to a very slow start to the 2026 season, hitting .208 with one home run across his first 125 plate appearances. However, the 30-year-old has begun to turn it on in the summer months, hitting .254 with six home runs across 144 plate appearances since the calendar flipped to June. Thomas owns a strong 12.4% walk rate for the season, which gives him a safe on-base floor and helps keep his bat in the lineup. With Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel (foot) currently on the injured list due to plantar fasciitis, Thomas has emerged as the everyday center fielder in Kansas City. As long as he continues to see regular playing time, Thomas profiles as a useful compiler with some power/speed upside for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 11:35 AM ET

On The Dominique Foxworth Show, New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said he's not worried about second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart protecting himself, and he also said that the young dual-threat signal-caller will allow the Giants' offense to be versatile in 2026. Dart's dual-threat abilities on the football remind Harbaugh of his former start QB, Lamar Jackson. "Jaxson's capable of doing a lot of things," Harbaugh said. "Like he can live in a lot of different worlds, football-wise. He can live in a power-running game, obviously, and a power-running game protects the quarterback because you can hand the ball off and make people defend that and keep them honest. Then, it opens up your play-action passing game. That stuff, we're gonna be in those worlds." The 23-year-old former first-rounder showed his QB1 upside in fantasy immediately after taking over the starting gig in the Big Apple early on in 2025, and he finished with 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 14 games (12 starts), adding 487 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground to finish as teh QB14 in fantasy. Dart is in good hands with Harbaugh in the fold, and his dual-threat skillset gives him intriguing upside as a QB1. RotoBaller has Dart ranked as the No. 12 overall QB for the 2026 season as he enters his first full season as the Giants' starter.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Dominique Foxworth Show

Jul 14, 2026, 11:33 AM ET

Across 357 plate appearances in 2026, St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn is hitting .243/.314/.331 with four home runs, 38 RBI, 39 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The 24-year-old's underlying quality of contact metrics leave a lot to be desired, as he's logged just a 3.2% barrel rate and a 35.3% hard-hit rate. Winn's plate skills are decent, but his 19.8% strikeout rate does not point to a significant batting average ceiling when paired with his tendency to make weak contact. Still, Winn is an elite defender at shortstop, which guarantees him a safe playing time floor in St. Louis. In deeper league formats, Winn's ability to compile slightly below-average production across all five categories has value. Fantasy managers in need of middle infield depth should consider targeting Winn on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 11:26 AM ET

Across 254 plate appearances this season, Seattle Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone is hitting .264/.335/.529 with 15 home runs, 40 RBI, 33 runs scored, and one stolen base. A lefty swinger, Canzone opened 2026 in a big-slide platoon role for Seattle. However, he's logged a .955 OPS in 30 plate appearances against left-handed pitching this season and has recently begun to emerge as an everyday player in the heart of the Mariners lineup. Canzone's splits against lefties could regress over a larger sample size of at-bats. Still, he owns strong underlying contact metrics with a 15.3% barrel rate and a 48.3% hard-hit rate. Canzone also limits swing-and-miss, as he's posted a respectable 20.9% strikeout rate. Now that he's working his way into a full-time role, Canzone profiles as a must-add power bat on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 11:21 AM ET

Across 28 2/3 innings (30 games) in 2026, Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman has pitched to a 2.20 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 36 strikeouts and 19 saves. The veteran left-hander has not been quite as dominant as he was in his resurgent 2025 season, but he's still posted an impressive 29.8% strikeout rate and has blown just two save chances on the year. However, there may be some underlying reason for concern in Chapman's profile. After allowing just one earned run through his first 18 2/3 innings of the season, Chapman has allowed six earned runs across 10 innings since the start of June. His average fastball velocity is currently a career-low 97.0 miles per hour, and his walk rate has crept back above 10% over the last two months. Additionally, Chapman may be a trade candidate if Boston cannot sustain its current hot streak after the All-Star break. While he could easily remain a closer following a trade, there's no guarantee that Chapman would remain in a ninth-inning role with a new team. Managers should require a major haul in return, but Chapman could be a sell-high candidate ahead of the second half of the season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 11:10 AM ET

Across 423 plate appearances so far in 2026, Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto is hitting .235/.326/.453 with 19 home runs, 45 RBI, 67 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. The 25-year-old owns a strong 13% barrel rate and should have a solid chance of reaching 30 home runs for the first time in his career if he stays healthy in the second half of the season. However, Neto's batting average floor could be a concern. His strikeout rate is up to a career-worst 31.4%, and his 22.1-degree average launch angle has led to his hard-hit rate dipping to 39.3%. Neto has also been caught stealing eight times in 20 attempts, which could lead to less aggression on the basepaths going forward. Neto is locked into everyday playing time at the top of the Angels lineup and remains a reliable provider of power and counting stats, making him a very useful fantasy shortstop. Still, fantasy managers may want to consider selling high on Neto at the All-Star break, given the riskiness of his profile.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 14, 2026, 10:02 AM ET

Winnipeg Jets center Viggo Bjorck is expected to start his rookie campaign as the team's second-line center, Murat Ates of The Athletic reports. Bjorck was the eighth-overall pick in this year's draft after becoming Sweden's youngest-ever player at the IIHF World Championship. He turned just 18 in March. Last season in the Swedish SHL, Bjorck posted 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 42 games. If he can secure a spot on the second line, Bjorck will have a good opportunity to finish among the top-scoring first-year players next season and be in contention for the Calder Trophy. Only five Swedish players in history have won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Murat Ates

Jul 14, 2026, 10:00 AM ET

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens put up career numbers across the board in his first year with the team, ending the 2025 season with 93 catches on 131 targets, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. While some of his best work came early in the year while five-time Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb was sidelined and slowed by a high ankle sprain, Pickens remained more than capable of winning weeks even as the secondary option in Dallas' high-volume passing offense. Quarterback Dak Prescott was the only player in the NFL to complete more than 400 passes in 2025, while the Cowboys' 4,735 total passing yards were the most in the league. Lamb enters his seventh season healthy and with expectations of leading the receiver room once more, providing one of the safest floors in all of fantasy, but in Brian Schottenheimer's up-tempo, big-play hunting system, Pickens' spike games are capable of winning weeks. Currently priced outside the first round with an ADP around 23 overall, he projects as one of the highest-ceiling WR2s for 2026, but he can also still serve as a team's WR1, with much of his risk mitigated by the ability to build a reliable stable of running backs.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller